A flirt pole (or flirt stick) is a dog training and exercise tool that consists of a long pole or stick (usually 3–5 feet), with a rope or cord attached to one end, and a lure (like a toy or piece of fabric) tied to the rope. Think of it like a giant cat toy, but for dogs.
WHY USE A FLIRT POLE?
The flirt pole is designed to simulate prey movement and encourage your dog to chase, stalk, pounce, and tug—all instinctive behaviors. It is a controlled outlet for chasing/prey-drive instincts. It’s commonly used for:
- Physical exercise especially in small yards
- Mental stimulation as it requires focus and impulse control
- Proofing training commands like “drop it,” “leave it,” “wait,” and “release”
- Improving agility and body awareness
- Building a bond between dog and handler
- Owners with mobility issues as they can exercise their dog with less movement on their part
They are great for high-energy breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs, who thrive on physical and mental challenges. They are considered to be a low-impact exercise when used on soft surfaces like grass or rubber mats so they can be safer for both puppies and geriatric dogs. Flirt poles are used to build drive and engagement with your dog which is helpful in training dog sports such as agility and flyball.
IMPORTANT SAFTEY TIPS:
- Avoid over-use, especially with young puppies or dogs with joint issues—it can be hard on their joints if they jump or twist suddenly.
- Always put the unused Flirt Pole out of the dog’s reach to avoid accidental rope entanglement.
- It is best to use soft surfaces like grass or rubber floors and low arcs of pole movement to minimize impact.
- It is critical to teach a reliable “drop it” command to avoid over-arousal.
HOW TO MAKE AN AFFORDABLE FLIRT POLE
A DIY Flirt Pole really is an easy dog toy to make and your dog will have endless hours of fun. If you have a dog with a lot of energy, a flirt pole is a great way to burn off that excess energy and can help deter them from destructive behaviors that can stem from boredom.
MATERIALS:
- POLE – 3-5 feet of sturdy PVC pipe, ½ to 1 inch diameter
- CORD – 6 feet of paracord or nylon rope (avoid stretchy cords as they’re dangerous for hard tuggers and can lead to neck injuries)
- LURE – a durable tug toy, fleece strips, old towel pieces, or a stuffed dog toy.
- ATTACHMENT SUPPLIES – 2 metal washers slightly larger than your pole diameter and zip ties (optional) for securing the toy
DIRECTIONS (see video below):
Tie a knot in one end of the paracord and then thread it through a washer, then the pipe and then another washer. Tie another knot snugly after the second washer leaving approximately 3 feet of paracord hanging. Tie a loop at the end of the loose cord and make a slip loop or use a zip tie to secure the toy to the end,